BOARD # 343: Community Partner and Institutional Stakeholder Perspectives on the Impact of the NSF-STEM Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computing Studies Program
- Conference
- Location
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Publication Date
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June 22, 2025
- Start Date
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June 22, 2025
- End Date
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August 15, 2025
- Conference Session
- Tagged Topic
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NSF Grantees Poster Session
- Page Count
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7
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/55712
Paper Authors
Varun K Kasaraneni
Gannon University
orcid.org/0000-0003-3128-7537
Dr. Kasaraneni is associate professor of environmental engineering.
Karinna M Vernaza Gannon University
Dr. Karinna Vernaza joined Gannon University in 2003, and she is the current Dean of the College of Engineering and Business and a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from the Univers
Lin Zhao Gannon University
Lin Zhao received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada in 2006. She received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from Shandong University, Jinan, China, in 1993 and 1996 re
Abstract
The Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computing Studies (SEECS) program, funded by an NSF S-STEM grant, delivers engineering solutions that tackle community challenges while providing students with opportunities for professional and personal development while demonstrating their technical skills. This study evaluates the program’s impact from a stakeholder perspective, focusing on the contributions of SEECS projects to community, organizations, and student growth. Through surveys of internal (university resources) and external stakeholders (community partners), the investigators assess the professionalism, technical expertise, and tangible outcomes delivered by SEECS scholars. Additionally, the study examines the program’s broader value, including its effects on organizational efficiency, community improvement, and its alignment with the university’s mission. By understanding the factors driving continued collaboration and the perceived benefits of the SEECS projects, this paper aims to share a road map to building a successful collaborative program that positively impacts both the community and partner organizations.
The paper concludes by sharing a framework for building a program that maximizes the use of existing resources, further enhancing the SEECS programs broader impact and effectiveness. This approach serves as a framework for other institutions of higher education interested in developing similar initiatives that contribute to both student growth and community development.
Kasaraneni, V. K., & Vernaza, K. M., & Zhao, L. (2025, June), BOARD # 343: Community Partner and Institutional Stakeholder Perspectives on the Impact of the NSF-STEM Scholars of Excellence in Engineering and Computing Studies Program Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/55712
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